a new technology is helping brain surgeons improve their skills before they practice on patients. ines ferre shows us how it all works. >> reporter: this may look like videogames but it's actually serious business. >> we need to stop the bleeding with your right hand. >> reporter: first year resident is using a virtual reality simulator to hone his brain surgery skills. >> the machine actually simulates the sounds, feelings, the actual tactile feedback that you would get if you actually were standing there in the operating room. >> reporter: mount sinai school of medicine is the first in the u.s. to use the neurotouch stimulator. it's 3-d software and hand-held controls closely mimicking actual brain surgery allowing residents to practice procedures before they perform them on patients. >> i think it has enormous potential to improve and potentially revolutionize the way we train and prepare for surgeries. >> reporter: the simulator measures speed, accuracy and blood loss and if surgeons are cutting away a tumor, it records how much of the growth is removed as well as healthy tiss